With Alas Pilipinas bowing out of contention in the 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup, they now set their sights on the Southeast Asian V.League to be held in August.
Just like the tournament’s past five editions, when it was still called the ASEAN Grand Prix, the Philippines will encounter the three strongest nations in the region: Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Alas will be aiming to move out of last place, a position they’ve occupied in the past three legs as Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia finished 1-2-3.
Despite the recent success that the Nationals achieved, especially in the 2024 AVC Challenge Cup where they made history by earning the country’s first-ever medal at the continental level, head coach Jorge Edson Souza de Brito tempered expectations for the upcoming tournament.
“Vietnam is No. 2, Indonesia is No. 3, and Thailand, of course, is No. 1. It’s always a challenge for us, but we’re trying to improve as well,” said De Brito on Friday after Alas’ straight-sets loss to the Vietnamese side.
“What we have to do is play hard and minimize the gap between No. 4 and No. 3 and then be able to beat them. It’s not a long way, but it’s hard. Every step is really hard,” admitted the Brazilian coach.
In preparation for the two-leg SEA V.League, the national team will hold a training camp in Japan from July 14 to 25 with the current lineup, along with unnamed additions, bringing the total number of players to 18.
Ultimately, the main target of this group of exemplary volleyball players is to perform well at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, as De Brito’s contract was extended up to this event.
For De Brito, although it is still far off, he believes that success can be achieved, especially with time on their side, and hopefully, the support of all stakeholders as well.
“It’s far off to think about, but there’s still time to work. We have one and a half years to do that. Enough time, if we’re supported by the clubs and the schools, then we can do it,” said De Brito on earning a medal in the SEA Games.
“We need support from the fans, clubs, companies, UAAP board, PVL board, and team owners. All of us are part of the Philippine volleyball environment, so we need to work really, really together. We’re not going to win, we’re not going to get better without this support.”
